On Nov. 6, 2018, Wharton voters approved a $59 million bond for the Wharton Independent School District.
As proposed, the bond would include many “much needed” improvements and additions across the district’s campuses. Those included: a football stadium overhaul; a newly constructed ag center; a softball and baseball complex; a FEMA dome; and so much more.
On Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 nearly three years later, the district is eliminating projects due to funding.
In its update, the project team stated, “I want to make sure everyone understands the impact the construction cost challenges are having on projects across the state at this time.”
They continued, “Projects are faced with either providing additional funds, cutting scope, or delaying the start of the project until the market returns to somewhat normal. It is a challenging time in the industry and we are working hard to ensure that the taxpayers of Wharton ISD are receiving what they expect.”
The letter provided an update for each proposed project within the bond.
Projects terminated or pushed back for a potential future bond include: The FEMA Dome and Competition Gymnasium; The Wharton High School Additions and Renovations; Operations for Food Service, Transportation and Maintenance; and possibly, the football stadium dressing rooms and field event house.
Construction is set to begin on the Wharton Junior High Campus soon. WISD invites the community to do a final walk through of the old campus on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m.
That project was given an “all in” cost of $31,363,207.
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